Mount Elbrus 10-day ski tour, Caucasus Mountains
Reach Mount Elbrus summit (5642m), the highest peak in Europe, with this ski touring and ski mountaineering trip, along with IFMGA-certified mountain guide Juho. Before the summit ascent, he will take you on many acclimatization ski tours in the area.
Caucasus
10 Days
Apr, May
High
Advanced
Description
Mount Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe. Lying at 5642m in the Caucasus Range, the ascent of this majestic mountain is a must for ski mountaineers from all over the world. I invite you to join me on this 10-day ski touring and ski mountaineering trip and reach the summit of this mythical peak in the Russian Federation.
Mount Elbrus is part of the Seven Summits group, the highest mountain in each continent. It lies near the border with Georgia, on the western area of the Caucasus mountain range, in the south of Russia.
Mount Elbrus is usually climbed from the south by the normal route. We will do previous acclimatization ski tours in the Adyrsu Valley in order to be well prepared for the summit day.
We will meet in Mineralnye Vody and from there we will transfer to the Ullu-Tau Camp (2200m) into the Adyrsu Valley. In the evening,we will have a briefing about the upcoming ski touring week. And next day, the adventure begins! You can check the day-by-day itinerary below this text.
This ski touring week is suitable for experienced ski mountaineers, in excellent shape as for tours of over 10 hours. You need to have a very good ascent and descent ski technique, on all type of snow. You can expect up to 1700 meters of altitude in ascent and descent.
Please note even during spring in Elbrus we may expect to face very low temperatures and strong winds. You also need to have previous experience in the use of crampons and ice axes, in case we need to use them during the traverse, if we face black ice.
In order to maximize your safety and make the most out of this experience, I only take small groups up to 6 people on this trip. Also, for Elbrus summit day, we will have an extra local guide with us. Our organization is based on an existing network on site and with extensive experience at Elbrus. Also please note the permit for the border region must be requested at least 2 months in advance.
So if you want to reach the roof of Europe with your skis, just send me a request! Book your trip and we will start planning this amazing ski touring trip and Elbrus ski mountaineering ascent!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Permit and entrance fees
Price details
- The price includes: Guiding and organization of the touring trip (UIAGM/IFMGAcertified guide)-
- All transfers on the spot according to program
- Accommodation in cottages and hotel with half board
- Additional local guide for the summit ascent
- Permit for the border region
- Cableway tickets.///
- The price does not include: FlightVisa (about € 100, -)-
- Additional meals, drinks, drinking
- Optional ride with the Ratrac / Snowmobile to the Pastuchov Rocks Additional guide for a 2nd summit attempt-
- Additional hotel overnight in case of program change
Itinerary
Day 1: Mineralnye Vody-Ullu-Tau Camp
We arrive to Mineralnye Vody in the morning. Then we continue to the Ullu-Tau Camp (2200m) into the Adyrsu Valley. In the evening, briefing about the upcoming ski touring week.
Day 2 to 4: Ski touring days-Adyrsu Valley
We do many ski tours in the Adyrsu Valley on the following days, in order to prepare us optimally for the Elbrus ascent. The selection of the tours will depend on the snow conditions. Possible ski touring destinations: Gumachi Pass (3582m), Chochat (3820m) or the Pik Trapezia (3697m). At the end of Day 3, we will take a bus to Terskol (2100 m), and spend the night in a hotel. Climbs: 4-7 hrs/ 1000-1500 Hm
Day 5: Ski touring-Botchkis
After breakfast we will take the gondola to Mir station at 3500m. From there, either with a chairlift or with skis we head to the Botchkis (camp container) at 3850m where we spend the next night. After a break we continure with light Backpacks to Prijut 11 Hut (4100m). Over flat glacier slopes back down to the Botchkis. In good conditions, there is an alternative route to ski down to Krugozor station (3000m). Return with the lift. Ascent: 2-3 hrs/ 250 or 600 Hm.
Day 6: Botchkis-Leaprus Eco-Hut-Last acclimatization tour
From the Botchkis we go to the comfortable Leaprus Eco-Hut, at 3912m. These newly built residential units are the ideal starting point for the summit push on the Elbrus. Today we do the last acclimatizing tour to Pastuchov Rock (4700 m). Ascent: 3-4 hrs./850 Hm
Day 7: Mount Elbrus summit
Today is the day! We start very early. We already know the first section up to the Pastuchov rocks from the previous day. At the rocks we begin the long traverse to the saddle (5300m) between east and west summit. Especially in the morning, when the sun rises it can get really cold here. From the saddle there is still a push before the terrain finally gets flatter and the summit gets closer. At 5642m, the West Summit is the highest peak in Europe and one of the Seven Summits. The following descent to the Eco-Hut where we spend the night is long and quite demanding.
Optionally, this stage can be 600Hm shortened by a support of a Ratracs / Snowmobile by an additional charge
Ascent: 8 – 10 hrs / 1730 Hm.
Day 8: Reserve Day
This is a reserve day for another summit push. Alternative descent to the valley and relax.
Day 9: Freeriding or Touring Day
For the last day of tour we go freeriding at Chegnet or touring in Baksan valley. Farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant.
Day 10: Transfer to Airport
Transfer to Mineralnye Vody airport and return home.
Details
More info
Required Equipment: -Backpack 35-45L -Glacier equipment and Avalance security equipment also available for rental Ski Touring Equipment: -Skis -Climbing Skins -Ski touring boots -Telescopic poles with large plates Clothing: -Technical Underwear -Touring pants -Wind and waterproof jacket (Hardshell, breathable) or Soft Shell Jacket (depending on weather) -Intermediate layer / insulating layer (fleece or insulating jacket depending on weather) -Well-fitting socks -Warm gloves -Warm hat
Meeting point
About the guide
Juho
5.0
(7)
Mountain Leader
Hi, my name is Juho, a mountain guide originally from Finland. I started to guide when I came to Chile end of 2006. I was a living and working in Chile while I took UIAGM guiding cources in Argentina until 2011. Nowadays I am living on the shore of Lake of Constanz on Swiss-German border. ...and guiding from here in the Alps, Northern Scandinavia and in the Andes. I have also a small guiding company in Konstanz.
Languages
German | | English
Certificates
AAGM
What people are saying about Juho
Grace
Great week with Juho in beautiful Norway. Can’t wait to tour with him again next year!
Marie
It was such a great week and experient that i can describe ! The landscape are mindblowing ans Juho is an amazing guide !
Danie
Great week in Arnoya. The relationship with the group and with the guide, Juho, has been perfect. An incredible experience that I'll be willing to repeat
Peter
Excellent.
Bob
Guide was awesome. Great terrain selection, finding good snow and overall trip organization. Would definitely go with him in the future.
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